When to ask about leaving on time to pick up child?

[Anonymous]

I have pretty much been offered a job at an agency. When can I ask about leaving daily at 5-530 to pick up my child from daycare? Can I ask before accepting the offer?

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

Don't talk about your kid. Just ask what the hours are. If you're non-exempt, ask if there are often overtime opportunities.

[Anonymous]

So you interviewed already? I usually ask about core hours and schedules during the interview, and you can generally get a feel for whether they're flexible or not. It's best if you interview with a lower level person like a coworker so you can ask about work/life balance, work culture, etc.

[Anonymous]

After the offer, before you sign.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't talk about your kid. Just ask what the hours are. If you're non-exempt, ask if there are often overtime opportunities.

Right. Pretend that you a robot with no outside-work obligations. Never get sick. And if your kid gets sick, pretend that it's you instead. Or your dog. Dogs are much cooler than kids.

[Anonymous]

Federal agency? I would ask the hiring manager what kind of schedule most people keep, typical overtime and teleworking, although I agree that I usually ask at the interview if there seems to be a good time to do so. I don't want a job with a schedule i can't keep. l wouldn't frame it around needing to pick up kids although after you start work, I think it's fine. My agency has zero issues and the utmost in flexibility about children, but i have a really great boss (who doesn't even have children). I don't think this is always the case, though, as I did a stint at headquarters (Department versus agency level) and found that most people work late and often on the weekends. I like my job but don't make enough to put in the kinds of hours they did. Turned down the job they offered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After the offer, before you sign.

This. I wouldn't hesitate to mention the kids, but YMMV.